Tibbe Rides Again

Several different Tibbe picks are on the market, which use levers to independently operate each disc. Tibbe picks are first used to find which position contains a “4” cut. Once that position is found, the lever for that position is used to exert a turning pressure on the plug. This pressure acts in a similar way to using a tension wrench for picking a pin tumbler lock. The remaining tumblers are slowly turned using each individual lever. A drop-in point can be felt when the opening in each tumbler is in line with the locking bar (the tumbler will have a ‘loose’ feeling).

Tibbe picks will usually have markings on each lever holder which aid in determining cut depths. From personal experience, it is easier to determine key cuts with Tibbe picks than to actually get the plug to turn. The dainty nature of the picks and heavy spring pressure in door locks may preclude unlocking. Perhaps a better term for Tibbe picks would be ‘decoders’.

Locksmith Ledger will be reporting further on the Ford Transit Connect lock system as information becomes available.